Do you enjoy books that shift narrative modes?

Rei72 · Post by **Rei72** » 04 Mar 2013, 18:07

I enjoy books that shift narratives. So I agree with crazy4chocolate on how it gives a story more depth...sometimes it is a challenge, but it is also rewarding to me...CLOUD ATLAS was the one that came to mind...GONE GIRL was great and flowed easily which made it easy to follow...I didn't want it to end!

mhjames · Post by **mhjames** » 04 Mar 2013, 22:19

I agree with what most others are saying here. It can be interesting, but the most important thing is CLARITY. If it's confusing then it's bad, if it's clear and adds to the story then it's good. Maybe that doesn't help much, but I don't know what more to say about that. Like so many things in writing (and life) a lot of people want to say there are "rules" but usually they are just guidelines that can be very successfully bended or broken.

Interesting question.

read4fun · Post by **read4fun** » 05 Mar 2013, 00:04

Switching the POV part way through a book can be confusing, but if it makes sense and is written well, go for it. I enjoy when authors tell the story from the point of view of multiple characters, and George R. R. Martin is superb at this in his "A Song of Ice and Fire"

Armada Volya · Post by **Armada Volya** » 05 Mar 2013, 11:34

I have no problem with it. Some of my favorite books are like that. Be it switching from pov of one character to another or third omniscient, as long as it's wel written, I have no problem with it.

A24 · Post by **A24** » 05 Mar 2013, 12:53

Like most everyone is saying - I don't mind as long as it is done well and doesn't take away from the flow of the story.

MandiKenendy · Post by **MandiKenendy** » 13 Mar 2013, 02:42

I really enjoy it as I like knowing how different character's are feeling about the narrative. I like to know what their perspectives are on the events that are happening.

Carterwyang · Post by **Carterwyang** » 15 Mar 2013, 01:11

Well if the switching of the narrative modes doesn't confuse me the yes, I have no particular preference, but that's just my view, because there are persons out there as you already said that will consider switching narrative modes to be an unforgivable sin lol, especially if the story gets confusing.

DBR Books · Post by **DBR Books** » 18 Mar 2013, 18:28

Hi Everyone, I'm new here. Yes I enjoy books that shift narrative modes - it gives depth to the reading. I usually review ya fiction and I came across one that had four narratives - add complexity to the read but it was good! Book: Mother Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick.

frenchrose50 · Post by **frenchrose50** » 19 Mar 2013, 16:13

Generally I don't mind it at all as long as the author possess enough talent to make sure it doesn't become too confusing. When I have seen it in books, mostly (but not always) it really helps in giving extra perspective and detail to the overall story.

bknight47 · Post by **bknight47** » 19 Mar 2013, 18:03

If it is done properly, and the book is well written, not at all...B

lady_charlie · Post by **lady_charlie** » 19 Mar 2013, 18:33

I agree that it depends on the author, his/her purpose and sometimes degree of talent or structure or anyway his having some idea of where he is going with this!

It does help to feel like you are inside the head of more than one character, and unless there are way too many, I like being able to understand the motives and heart of the characters.

It is also true that changing voice or letting someone else tell part of the story can be confusing and even off putting if the author lets someone talk that he doesn't know well enough himself!!!

BTW I read the first two pages of Gone Girl and managed to put it down, but now you have me thinking I should go back and try again.

Tusc2000 · Post by **Tusc2000** » 19 Mar 2013, 18:59

Switching the POV is disruptive. It has to be handled very carefully.

rekha123 · Post by **rekha123** » 15 May 2013, 06:58

I do, depends... if the scene consists more of dialogues....

darcyb123 · Post by **darcyb123** » 01 Sep 2013, 00:11

It depends on the writer. I think it can be a very effective method if kept clear. I usually enjoy it very much as it adds another level of interest to the book.